Five Things to Know: USWNT vs. Portugal

The U.S. Women’s National Team is back in action during this October FIFA international window after almost four months since its last match. Head coach Emma Hayes’ squad will face Portugal twice and New Zealand. 

First up, the USWNT will take on Portugal in Chester, Pa. on Oct. 23. Then the squad will travel to East Hartford, Conn. for the second leg against Portugal on Oct. 26 and finish off the window versus New Zealand on Oct. 29. The first match will kick off at 7 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, HBO Max and Peacock. 

Here’s everything you need to know before USA vs. Portugal on Thursday: 

1. Honoring Alex Morgan

USWNT all-time great Alex Morgan retired after a legendary career in 2024. The two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion will be honored in a pregame ceremony ahead of the USA vs. Portugal match at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa. where she scored her first of 123 international goals.

The first two thousand fans through the gates will also receive a free bobblehead in addition to celebrating one of the U.S. Soccer’s greatest players. 

“I love this tradition when we honor our players in retirement, and I know the fans will be coming out not just to support us but absolutely to acknowledge what a wonderful career she had,” Hayes said. “She’s got so many telling moments that were difference-making moments in her career, and the impact she’s had on this team is immeasurable.”

2. Roster Update

After Hayes named 26 players for the October training camp, injuries unfortunately impacted the roster shortly after. 

Kansas City Current captain Lo’eau LaBonta was called up after midfielder Sam Meza sustained a hamstring injury before camp started. Forward Trinity Rodman also suffered an MCL strain, which also knocked her out of camp.

“I was absolutely bummed, as was she,” Hayes said. “Fortunately, it’s not too far [off], and I hope that she’s back in [NWSL] playoff contention and she’ll be back for the next camp.”

Hayes said on Wednesday that she will be selecting a player for the senior team from the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team roster which is running a concurrent camp in Pennsylvania. That will be announced on Friday, Oct. 24.

3. Build Toward Qualification

Hayes spent the last several international windows with the intention of developing and giving less-experienced players opportunities at the highest level of the game. When the USWNT last met up, five players earned their first caps in that camp.

Now, the page turns toward qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. This camp is the beginning of sorts for that cycle. In one year’s time, the USA will compete in the 2026 Concacaf W Championship which will determine World Cup and Olympic qualification, although the USA already has its berth to the 2028 Olympics as host.

“Obviously we have a level here and we're preparing for something,” team captain Lindsey Heaps said. “But you are here for a reason and to make the most of that and to learn, to grow and reminder that at the end of the day, we want to qualify for a World Cup.” 

4. Teammates in and out of Camp

The USWNT always carries a close camaraderie, and in this camp, that is even more amplified. More than half the roster has at least one teammate also on their club teams.

The majority of those come from the Kansas City Current, the top team in the NWSL. Michelle Cooper, Claire Hutton, Ally Sentnor and Lo’eau LaBonta represent the teal on this roster. They will get a chance to play in front of home fans when the United States meets New Zealand at CPKC Stadium on Oct. 29. 

Midfielders Lindsey Heaps and Lily Yohannes are another pair of club teammates as they suit up for OL Lyonnes in France’s Première Ligue. Yohannes, 18, benefits from extended time to learn from Heaps while the World Cup winner encourages the young talent for club and country.

“I think she just fits in our team so well as she started out, so really excited for her,” Heaps said of Yohannes, who transferred to the club from Ajax in the Netherlands over the summer. “You guys have probably seen her recent goal in Champions League which is absurd when you think about an 18-year-old taking a chance like that, so really proud of her.” 

5. USWNT vs. Portugal History

The USWNT and Portugal have matched up 11 times since 1994. The USA holds a 10W-0L-1D record over the UEFA opponent. The National Team has not conceded a goal against Portugal with 39 goals against. All but one matchup has been a friendly.

The last time the two faced off was in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand. It was the final group stage match for the United States that ended in a 0-0 draw. The game advanced the U.S. to the knockout round.